If you filed a paper return last year for your individual or business taxes and did not use a paid preparer or tax software program (yes, it still happens), don’t expect to receive a paper tax package in the mail from IRS this year. Beginning in 2011, the IRS won’t be automatically mailing out forms anymore, even to those folks who previously filed paper returns.
Even worse for many of those folks who rely on paper forms, most government agencies (like post offices and libraries) will no longer stock extra forms, though some may.
But all is not lost.
If you’re looking for forms, you can download them from the IRS website here in pdf format.
Since everyone doesn’t have access to a printer, you can also search and order forms from the IRS website to be mailed to you. You can order up to 10 different forms and publications; you will receive two copies of each ordered form (instructions included) and one copy of each ordered publication. Expect to receive your order in about 7-15 days.
You can also walk right into an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) and get the forms that you need. Use this locator to find the TAC nearest you.
Most tax forms for 2010 are now available to taxpayers. Remember, however, that you might not be able to submit your returns until mid- to late February if you meet certain criteria: the IRS is still scrambling to accommodate the last minute tax deal changes.
